Originally worn by young women in West Africa, the baya is a piece of body jewellery tied around the waist or hips. It can be worn on its own or layered with others. The word "baya" comes from Malinké and means to be a mother. It has always been a symbol of femininity and fertility. Depending on the country, it is also called bin-bin, afféma or djadal. To learn more, we invite you to visit our The Legacy page.

Although often worn for its beauty today, the baya was originally used for spiritual purposes too. It is said that, depending on the colours chosen and the number worn, the baya is believed to carry particular virtues and intentions. To learn more, discover our page dedicated to The Legacy of the baya.

Although it is a piece of jewellery that originates in West Africa, the baya celebrates the femininity of all women. What matters is not your background, but the sincerity with which you wear it: mindfully, and with respect for its history. To know where this piece comes from is already to honour it.

No, our waistbeads are made with non-elastic cotton thread and glass beads dyed all the way through, for a colour that does not fade. Everything is hypoallergenic and nickel-free, designed to be worn directly against the skin, continuously.

Each of our waistbeads is named after, and inspired by, a Black woman who left her mark on the world. Let your intuition guide you: a colour that draws you in, a woman whose story moves you. There is no wrong choice, only yours. If you are unsure about colour pairings, explore our duos and our trios to help you choose.

Yes — you tie your waistbead wherever you like around your waist. Once tied, your baya stays in place, and that is precisely what allows it to follow the changes of your body faithfully, making it a wonderful companion through physical change. Worn against the skin, it lets you feel those changes over time, without judgement or constraint.

When you place your order, you tell us your waist measurement. Our waistbeads are made to a standard length of 110 cm of beads, adjustable as you tie them. For a larger measurement, simply give us your exact size in centimetres, and we will adjust the length at no extra cost.

A detailed tying guide is available here, where you will also find a video tutorial, which is likewise available on our social media. The gesture is learnt just once, in a few minutes.

Yes. Your waistbead is designed to be worn continuously, day and night. You can sleep, shower and swim with it on, with ease.

Made with strong 100% cotton thread and glass beads, your baya is designed to last over time. Some women keep theirs for several years, or even a lifetime, while others cut it off themselves when they feel ready for a change.

Each waistbead is made to order, but we are committed to dispatching your order within 24 hours, followed by the delivery time specific to each destination. Delivery is free on orders over A$80.

Yes, we ship worldwide. Shipping costs and delivery times are calculated automatically based on your address at checkout.

As our waistbeads are made to measure and worn directly against the skin, they cannot be returned or exchanged, for reasons of hygiene. If there is any issue with your order, write to us at contact@weareadjoa.com — we will always find a solution together.